Torta quattro quarti zebrata

The Zebra-Striped Four Quarters Cake is a creative variation of the classic four quarters cake, also known as Pound Cake. The “zebra-striped” effect is achieved by alternating layers of chocolate and vanilla batter. Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients

• 4 eggs (the quantity of which will determine the weight of the other ingredients)
• The weight of the eggs in sugar
• The weight of the eggs in flour
• The weight of the eggs in unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 packet of baking powder (about 16g)
• 1 vanilla pod or vanilla extract as needed
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (the amount depends on the desired color, generally 1-2 tablespoons)
• A pinch of salt

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C (350 °F) and prepare a loaf pan by buttering and flouring it or lining it with parchment paper.
2. Separate the egg whites from the yolks into a large bowl.
3. Beat the egg whites until stiff and set aside.
4. In another bowl, whip the yolks with the sugar until you have a light and fluffy cream.
5. Add the melted and cooled butter to the egg and sugar cream, mixing carefully.
6. Incorporate the sifted flour with the baking powder and a pinch of salt, mixing until the batter is smooth.
7. Gently fold in the beaten egg whites, taking care not to deflate them, until the batter is light and frothy.
8. Divide the batter into two equal parts in two different bowls.
9. In one of the bowls, add the sifted cocoa powder and mix until completely incorporated.
10. In the other bowl, add the vanilla extract or the seeds from the vanilla pod, mixing well.
11. In your mold, pour two tablespoons of vanilla batter in the center, then two tablespoons of cocoa batter directly in the center of the vanilla batter. Alternate the two batters until finished, creating the zebra effect.
12. Bake in the oven for about 40-50 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
13. Let the zebra-striped four quarters cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Curiosity

The name “four quarters” comes from the fact that the traditional recipe requires a quarter of eggs, a quarter of sugar, a quarter of flour, and a quarter of butter, all with the same weight, which is that of the eggs. Thus, this cake is very versatile and easy to remember. The addition of cocoa and the alternating layers of batter give life to this delicious zebra-striped version, a touch of creativity that makes this cake a pleasure for the eyes as well as the palate.